(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners reviewed the law enforcement contract between the Richardson County Sheriff's Department and the City of Humboldt when they met last week.

Sheriff Rick Hardesty proposed to the Humboldt City Council the prior week a three-year contract beginning September 1, 2025 at a price of $103,000 for the first year, with a 5% increase each year of the contract period.

The Humboldt Council made a counter proposal of $94,000 the first year with a 2% increase each year for a period of 5 years.

Commissioners unanimously approved counter offer from the City of Humboldt with a clause to be included that if it is necessary that a salary increase for the deputy should exceed 2%, the City would incur the additional cost for that year. The contract with the stipulation will now go back to the Humboldt City Council for their approval.

Sheriff Hardesty also reported he is meeting with the Village of Stella December 2 to discus ordinance enforcement within the village and the possibility of developing an agreement for the Sheriff's Office to carry out the enforcement. Charges would be made on a “per call” basis.

Options for providing inmate meals are being reviewed. The current contract with Consolidated Management Company is in effect until October, 2025, with a buy-out clause. Consideration is being given to staff more jailers which would meet the Jail Standards recommendation and these jailers would also be in charge of preparing the inmate meals.

Discussion has also been taking place on hiring an additional dispatcher.

Sheriff Hardesty noted that he is obtaining quotes to upgrade the generators at the Law Enforcement Center and that the Sheriff's Department will participate in the “Drive Sober, Get Pulled Over” grant December 13 through January 1, 2025.